Arthritis & Glucosamine
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. It is caused by joint degeneration and loss of joint cartilage.
What causes osteoarthritis or DJD?
1. the natural aging process 2. wear-and-tear or repetative trauma 3. inherited abnormalities in joint structure
With cumlative stress on a joint and the aging process, the ability to restore and create normal cartilage that cushions the joint decreases, therefore, damage to the cartilage occurs followed by bony changes which results in a degenerative joint.
| NORMAL
Proper spinal curves permit normal turning and bending. Openings between joints allow nerve roots to exit the spine without interference. The edges of the bones are smooth and well defined. Equal disc spacing is a sign of healthy spinal function. |
PHASE ONE
Loss or normal curves and misalignment restrict or exaggerate normal ranges of motion. ligament and muscle strength is reduced. Even with nerve irritation and soft tissue inflammation, pain or other obvious symptoms may not be present. |
PHASE TWO
Years of accumulated calcium deposition are now visible. Bone spurs attempt to fuse malfunctioning joints. Adjacent surfaces are rough and uneven. Joint instability is accompanied by continued nerve irritation and disc degeneration. |
PHASE THREE
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What is the conventional treatment of osteoarthrits?
Glucosamine is a natural nutrient and is virtually free of side effects and there have been no reports of any adverse drug interactions. Most people will experience significant improvement within 1-8 weeks. Twice daily supplementation is needed to experience the full benefit.
The primary drugs used in the treatment of osteoarthritis are called "NSAID's" (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These drugs help to relieve pain and are tolerated well if used carefully and cautiously. NSAID's if used long term or if not utilized properly may be associated with gastric irritation , GI bleeding, liver and kidney damage.
What can I use that is natural for my joints? Glucosamine Sulfate! MSN!
The main natural substances that keep joints healthy is glucosamine sulfate (GS), an amino sugar. The body utilizes glucosamine to stimulate the process of cartilage renewal and helps make the synovial fluid in the joints thick and elastic. A deficiency of GS can effect the repairative process within the tendons, ligaments, bones, synovial fluid, and cartilage. Tissues in the joints become damaged when these lubricating fluids become thin and watery. The normal cushioning is lost and consequently the bones and the cartilage will scrape each other inside the joint space resulting in joint destruction, pain, loss of movement and flexiblity. GS has shown to exert a protective effect against joint destruction, exerting a powerful healing effect on an injured joint. Average dosages range from 10-15 mg per lb. per day, in two divided doses, two timer per day, use as directed.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane or dimethylsulfone) is a source of organic sulfur found naturally in the human body. MSM, the major metabolite of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), is 34% elemental sulfur, a compound which is crucial in maintaining healthy tissues. While sulfur supports many functions, it is well known for maintaining connective tissue health. Sulfur also supports tissue containing significant amounts of collagen and keratin, including hair, skin, and nails. Sulfur is essential in methionine, cysteine and serum protein metabolism. Recent, preliminary evidence suggests that MSM provides potential support for healthy immune, joint tissue, and respiratory function. Average dosages range from 800-3000 mg, two times per day, use as directed.
Additional Supplements for Joint Care and Health:
Fish or Flaxseed Oil....Essential fatty acids that help control pain and inflammation.
Vitamin C....Helps control pain and inflammation, antioxidant.
Multivitamin....Supplies essential nutrients needed to repair and maintain tissues.
Coenzyme Q10....Increases tissue oxygenation to aid in repair of connective tissue.
Garlic....Antioxidant and detoxifier.
Proteolytic Enzymes (digestive enzymes, bromelain, etc.)....Reduces inflammation, improves absorption of foods needed for tissue repair.
Probiotics....Bacterial cultures, such as acidophilus, that assist the body's naturally occurring flora in the gastrointestinal tract that help the digestive processes and balance.
Diet....Fruit, vegetables, fish, no meat, 8 glasses of water per day, rest, exercise.
Calcium/Magnesium....Calcium excites nerves, prevents bone loss, needed for blood clotting. Magnesium relaxes muscles, also prevents bone loss, keeps blood flowing freely. Any imbalance of these two minerals can be unhealthy.
*Please note: If you have any medical condition, check your health care physician before taking any supplement.
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